Bay City Western alumni hosting community event, scholarship

Kate Carlson kcarlson@mdn.net

Published
11:30 am EDT, Sunday, April 22, 2018

Students demonstrate in support of a Bay City Western High School student, who claims his Confederate flag was torn from his truck last week, Wednesday, April 18 2018, in Auburn, Mich. (Jacob Hamilton/The Bay City Times via AP) less

Students demonstrate in support of a Bay City Western High School student, who claims his Confederate flag was torn from his truck last week, Wednesday, April 18 2018, in Auburn, Mich. (Jacob Hamilton/The Bay ... more

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Students demonstrate in support of a Bay City Western High School student, who claims his Confederate flag was torn from his truck last week, Wednesday, April 18 2018, in Auburn, Mich. (Jacob Hamilton/The Bay City Times via AP) less

Students demonstrate in support of a Bay City Western High School student, who claims his Confederate flag was torn from his truck last week, Wednesday, April 18 2018, in Auburn, Mich. (Jacob Hamilton/The Bay ... more

From 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on Monday, April 23 the community is invited to Williams Township Park, 1080 W. Midland Rd. in Auburn to walk or run the trails together. Coffee will be provided at the community building event.

"If you don't want to walk or run, and just want to join us as a show of support, just come and grab a hot beverage with us," the event press release states.

Bay City Western High School alumni are also creating a scholarship for Bay City Western students who are leaders in making the community stronger through actions promoting positive race relations, diversity as a strength and social justice.

The award can be used for continuing education at a college or university, in the skilled trades or vocational training or for other opportunities enhancing skills or experience in community building.

"Out of diversity comes great strength and opportunity," the press release states. "We can all learn from each other and it’s in everyone’s interest to work toward building and maintaining a place where everyone feels welcome and valued."

School was called off at Bay City Western High School and Western Middle School on Thursday, April 19 due to threats related to people flying Confederate flags outside of the high school.

The group flying the rebel flag from their vehicles garnered a showing counter protests from Bay City Western and Central high schools as well as national news coverage. The story was covered by the New York Times, Washington Post and Fox News.